Vehicle-mounted device with network-connected scopes for allowing a target to be simultaneously tracked by multiple other devices

ABSTRACT

A network of scopes, including one or more lead scopes and one or more follower scopes, is provided to allow the respective scopes to track the same presumed target. A lead scope locates a target and communicates target position data of the presumed target to the follower scope. The follower scope uses the target position data and its own position data to generate electronic control signals for use by follower scope to make position movements so as to re-position the follower scope from its current target position to move towards the target position defined by the target position data received from the lead scope. At least the second scope is mounted to, or integrated into, a vehicle, which uses the target position data to move to a new location so as to allow the second scope to better view the target.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is continuation of copending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/741,226 filed Jan. 13, 2020, which in turn is a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/531,869 filed Aug. 5, 2019, now,U.S. Pat. No. 10,533,826, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/272,733 filed Feb. 11, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No.10,408,573, which in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/057,247 filed Aug. 7, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No.10,267,598. The disclosures of each of these applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No.62/544,124, filed Aug. 11, 2017, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A sight or optical viewer which incorporate lenses to magnify an imageor simply passes through light without magnification, also referred toas a “scope,” is a sighting device that is based on an opticalrefracting telescope or other optical viewing device. It includes someform of graphic image pattern (a reticle or cross-hairs) mounted in anoptically appropriate position in its optical system to give an accurateaiming point. Telescopic sights are used with all types of systems thatrequire accurate aiming but are most commonly found on firearms,particularly rifles. A telescopic sight may include an integratedrangefinder (typically, a laser rangefinder) that measures distance fromthe observer's sighting device to a target.

A compass is an instrument used for navigation and orientation thatshows direction relative to the geographic “cardinal directions,”, or“points.”. A “compass rose” diagram shows the directions north, south,east, and west as abbreviated initials marked on the compass. When thecompass is used, the rose can be aligned with the correspondinggeographic directions, so, for example, the “N” mark on the rose reallypoints to the north. In addition to the rose or sometimes instead of it,angle markings in degrees may be shown on the compass. North correspondsto zero degrees, and the angles increase clockwise, so east is 90degrees, south is 180, and west is 270. These numbers allow the compassto show azimuths or bearings, which are commonly stated in thisnotation.

GPS data typically provides a three-dimensional location (latitude,longitude, and altitude (elevation)). For example, a sample GPS of alocation in Philadelphia is as follows:

Latitude: 39.90130859

Longitude: −75.15197754

Altitude (elevation) relative to sea level: 5 m

Miniaturized GPS devices are known that include a GPS receiver forproviding GPS location data and an orientation sensor for providingattitude data. The orientation sensor may derive its data from anaccelerometer and a geomagnetic field sensor, or another combination ofsensors. One such miniaturized GPS device that is suitable for use inthe present invention is a device that is commercially available fromInertial Sense, LLC located in Salem, Utah. This device is marketed as“μINS” and “ONS-2.” (“INS” is an industry abbreviation for “InertialNavigation System.”) The μINS” and μINS-2 are GPS-aided InertialNavigation Systems (GPS/INS). A GPS/INS uses GPS satellite signals tocorrect or calibrate a solution from an inertial navigation system(INS).

Another known miniature GPS/INS that is suitable for use in the presentinvention is a device that is commercially available from VectorNavTechnologies, LLC located in Dallas, Tex. This device is marketed as“VN-300” and is a dual-antenna GPS/INS. The dual-antenna feature in theVN-300 allows it to provide accurate compass data.

Network technology is well known in the art. Each device in a network isoften referred to as a node and nodes can be formed into a network usinga variety of network topologies including hub and spoke and mesh. In acellular based communication system, nodes communicate through one ormore base stations which in turn are directly or indirectly connected toa mobile switching center (MSC). MSCs are interconnected based onindustry standards which enable nodes in a cellular network tocommunicate with other nodes that are connected to different basedstations. There are numerous cellular standards such as GSM, LTE andCDMA and a common feature in cellular networks is the capability ofallowing nodes to connect to the Internet.

Broadband satellite communication systems use one or more communicationsatellites organized into a constellation. There are numerouscommercially available satellite systems including systems operated byGlobalstar, Iridium and Inmarsat. Like cellular, broadband satellitecommunication systems allow nodes to connect to the Internet. Incellular terms, each satellite in the constellation acts as a basestation and nodes in the system connect to a satellite that is in range.One advantage of satellite systems is that coverage is sometimes betterin remote areas.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technology allows nodes to establisha network. Common WLAN standards including 802.11a, b, g and n. 802.11sis a WIFI based mesh networking standard. Bluetooth® is another standardfor connecting nodes in a network and mesh networking capability hasrecently been added to the Bluetooth LE standard by the BluetoothSpecial Interest Group. Accordingly, through various standards, it ispossible to implement point to point, point to multipoint and mesh WLAN,all of which are suitable for use with the present invention.

Mesh network topology has significant advantages for mobile devices,particularly in remote areas where there is limited cellular servicesince each node can be connected to multiple other nodes and there is norequired path from any node in the network to any other node. A furtheradvantage of a mesh network is that as long as any one node in the meshnetwork has access to the Internet such as by way of a cellular orsatellite connection, all of the nodes in the mesh network have access.

A representative wireless mesh networking chipset that is suitable foruse with the present invention is the RC17xx(HP)™ (Tinymesh™ RFTransceiver Module), which is commercially available from Radiocrafts ASand Tinymesh, both located in Norway. The chipset incorporates theTinymesh application for the creation of mesh networks. The ideal meshnetwork chipset for the present invention is small, and has high powerand a long range, and should operate in unlicensed spectrum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one preferred embodiment, a network of scopes, including one or morelead scopes and one or more follower scopes, is provided to allow scopeoperators of the respective scopes to track the same presumed target. Alead scope locates a target and communicates target position data of thepresumed target to the follower scope. The follower scope uses thetarget position data and its own position data to electronicallygenerate indicators for use to prompt the operator of the follower scopeto make position movements so as to re-position the follower scope fromits current target position to move towards the target position definedby the target position data received from the lead scope.

In another preferred embodiment, a network of scopes, including one ormore lead scopes and one or more follower scopes, is provided to allowthe respective scopes to track the same presumed target. A lead scopelocates a target and communicates target position data of the presumedtarget to the follower scope. The follower scope uses the targetposition data and its own position data to electronically generateindicators for use to allow the follower scope to make positionmovements so as to re-position the follower scope from its currenttarget position to move towards the target position defined by thetarget position data received from the lead scope. At least the secondscope is mounted to, or integrated into, a vehicle, which uses thetarget position data to move to a new position so as to allow the secondscope to better view the target.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, the drawings show presently preferredembodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of system components inaccordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-4C are optical sights in accordance with preferred embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a sample preset list that may be displayed on a display ofscope in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 6-8 show flowcharts in accordance with preferred embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of a surveillance environment having aplurality of scopes, some of which are vehicle-based.

FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of a vehicle having vehicle-based devicesin the surveillance environment of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 11A-11D show surveillance environments having a plurality ofscopes and a presumed target in accordance with preferred embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams of operator-assisted and fullyautomated embodiments for scope movement in accordance with preferredembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to betaken as a limitation on the present invention.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide for deviceshaving network-connected scopes which are designed to hone in on thesame target, which may be a still or moving target. In a firstembodiment involving two scopes, a “lead scope” identifies a target andcommunicates location data regarding the target to a “follower scope”which uses the location data from the lead scope and its own locationand orientation data to hone in the target. In the two scopeconfiguration, the lead scope and the follower scope communicate throughany available wireless data communication technology including cellular,satellite or one or more WLAN technologies.

In a second embodiment involving a plurality of scopes, a first scopeidentifies a target and communicates location data regarding the targetto a plurality of other scopes which use the location data from thefirst scope and their respective location and orientation data to honein on the target. In this embodiment, as additional scopes locate thetarget, they communicate their location data regarding the target to anetwork server which amalgamates location data that is accumulated fromeach scope that identified the target to define successively moreprecise location data of the target (i.e., more data points increase theprecision of the location), which is then communicated to the scopesthat have not yet located the target. The scopes that have previouslyreported the location of the target may also receive the latest locationdata of the target to assist in tracking the target. The scopes in thisembodiment can be connected using any available WLAN technology but inthe preferred embodiment, a mesh networking technology is used to enablethe plurality of scopes to communicate with each other. It is understoodthat any one of the scopes can perform the functions of the networkserver or the functions of the network server can be distributed amongthe plurality of scopes for redundancy in case one of the scopes losesconnectivity to the WLAN. Ideally, at least one of the scopes isconnected to the Internet and the other scopes in the network are thusable to access the Internet through the connected scope by way of themesh network.

Since the target may be a moving object, the location data of the targetfor the scopes that have identified the target is continuously streamedto the scopes that have not yet located the target. Alternatively, thelocation of the target is only sent when the lead scope activates aswitch that designates the target. In a more advance version of thesystem, when the target is moving, the scope and/or the network serverwill predict the future location of the target assuming continuedmovement in the same direction using known techniques.

I. Definitions

The following definitions are provided to promote understanding of thepresent invention.

device—The device is the object that a scope is integrated into.Examples of such devices include a rifle, gun, binoculars, smarteyeglasses or goggles, helmet visor and a drone. Certain types ofdevices are themselves “scopes,” such as binoculars, telescopes andspotting scopes. The device may be handheld or may be mounted on a land,aerial or water based vehicle.

target—The target is the object of interest. It may be a person, animalor object, and may either be stationary or moving.

lead scope—The lead scope is the first scope that identifies a target.In the first embodiment, there is only one lead scope. In the secondembodiment, the lead scope is only the first scope that located thetarget. Subsequent scopes that identify the target are simply referredto herein as “scopes.” In one preferred embodiment, any scope in thenetwork can function as a lead scope.

follower scope—The follower scope is a scope that attempts to hone in onthe same target that the lead scope identified. In the first embodiment,there may be one or more follower scopes. In the second embodiment, thefollower scopes include all of the scopes that have not yet honed in onthe target that the previous set of scopes (including the lead scope)has identified. In one preferred embodiment, any scope in the networkcan function as a follower scope.

II. Detailed Description

The description below presumes that each of the device's scopes havesimilar functionality and can function as either a lead or followerscope. However, in an alternative embodiment, certain scopes may bededicated to a lead or follower role, and certain scopes may have moreor less functionality than other scopes.

A device having a scope includes each of the following measurementdevices (or their equivalents):

1. GPS/INS device (provides location data of the device) (could beimplemented as two or more distinct devices such as a GPS receiver,gyroscope and accelerometer)

2. rangefinder (provides the distance from the device's scope to thetarget). In the preferred embodiments, laser technology is used by therangefinder to detect range but other technologies such as opticaldistance measurement could also be used. One example of an opticaldistance measurement system uses a series of lenses and mirrors toproduce a double image and a dial or other controller with distanceindicia is adjusted to bring the two images into alignment.

3. compass (provides the direction of the target relative to theposition of the scope (north, south, east, and west)). The compass maybe a standalone device, or may be incorporated into the GPS/INS anddetermine direction using GPS compassing. GPS compasses often have twoantennas and if the device is a pair of binoculars, one option would beto place an antenna on each barrel. Accuracy can be increased byincreasing the separation of the antennas used by the GPS compass suchas through the use of one or more fold-out arms, booms, lighter than airballoons or other mechanical means to obtain separation, or byconnecting a second antenna through an RF or optical connection.

4. orientation sensor (provides attitude data, namely, the pointingangle of the device relative to a fixed level plane (e.g., zero degreesif pointing straight ahead, 30 degrees up if pointing at a bird or planein the sky or −10 degrees if pointed down into a valley)

5. elevation sensor (optional) (provides absolute elevation above sealevel or other reference point). This would typically be a barometricsensor that would supplement the accuracy of the elevation determined bythe GPS/INS which, in some cases is not particularly accurate.Alternatively, an ultrasonic or other proximity sensor may be used todetermine the distance to the ground if the GPS/INS either incorporatesor has access to a topographic map though a network connected scope. Forexample, if the GPS position corresponded to a position on a topographicmap that is 500 feet above sea level and the proximity sensor determinesthat the distance from the scope to the ground is 5 feet, an accurateelevation of 505 feet would be known by the scope.

Data from these measurement devices are used to calculate the positionof the target, which may be expressed in GPS coordinates or the like.

As discussed in detail below, for each above identified measurementdevices, there are varying degrees of accuracy and an anticipated errorrange. As the technology associated with the measurement devicesimproves, it will be possible to improve the operation of the scope andprovide a more accurate prediction of the target location by using moreaccurate measurement devices.

A. Example Steps for First Embodiment

1. The operator of a device that contains the lead scope identifies apresumed target.

2. The operator of the device either centers a cross-hair or othertarget indicia to the center of the target or using a pointing devicesuch as a touchpad or eye tracking sensor, causes a cross-hair to moveto the center of the target.

3. The operator optionally presses a button to cause the target to bedesignated.

4. If not operating in a continuous manner based on the position of thecross-hairs, the rangefinder is activated and the data from themeasurement devices is stored in memory.

5. The lead scope calculates a local AER (azimuth, elevation, range)position of the target based on the stored directional and rangemeasurement data. A calculation is then made using the stored positionalmeasurement data to convert the local AER position to a global position.In the preferred embodiment, the global position is designated as GPScoordinates. In some cases, an accuracy or estimated error associatedwith the target position is also determined by the lead scope. Analternative implementation which obtains the same result involves thewireless transmission of the stored measurement data, as opposed to theposition data to the follower scope or other device connected to thenetwork such as a network server. In this alternative embodiment, thefollower scope or network server calculates the target position and, insome cases, the estimated error or accuracy, from the measurement data.Either the determined position data and error or accuracy data (ifcollected or determined) or the measurement data is transmitted to thefollower scope. Through the above operations, either one or morefollower scopes will wirelessly receive the position data or calculateit from the received measurement data transmitted by the lead scope.

6. If the system includes a network server and the network serverreceives the raw data from the measurement devices transmitted by thelead scope, it calculates the target position and stores the data. Ifthe network server receives the calculated target position, it storesthis data and forwards it to other scopes. It is understood that thesystem can be operated without a network server and that the featuresdescribed as being performed by the network server could be performed byany scope or device in the network or by a remote network server towhich the scopes are connected via the Internet.

7. A follower scope on another device wirelessly receives either fromthe lead scope or from the network server the target position calculatedby the lead scope.

8. The device containing the follower scope also includes the same setof measurement devices (or their equivalents). The follower scope usesits own location data and the target position to calculate the bearingand attitude where the follower scope should aim so as to be pointing atthe same target position as the lead scope. As an alternative, thefollower scope could include a reduced set of measurement devices andoperate with reduced functionality. For example, if the rangefinder wasnot included in the follower scope, it would have limited functionalityas a lead scope.

9. Visual (guiding) indicators are displayed on the device of thefollower scope to direct (guide) the operator of the follower scope asto where the scope should be moved to so as to lock in on the targetposition. For example, an eyepiece of the follower scope may include thevisual indicators. Alternatively, a device or scope-mounted display mayprovide the visual indicators. The visual indicators may be directionalarrows, LED lights, text messages (e.g., move left, move up), or thelike. Audio indicators may be used as well.

10. If the lead scope moves its physical position or its aiming positionand indicates that the target has been re-located, the calculations areautomatically rerun and sent to the follower scope so that the followerscope can continue to search for the target. Likewise, if the followerscope moves from its initial position, the calculations at the followerscope of the vector to the target must be redone, even if no changes aremade to the physical position or aiming position of the lead scope so asto update the guiding indicators display within the follower scope.

In an alternative embodiment, only the raw measurement data from thelead scope is passed along to the network server or other scope and eachfollower scope uses the raw measurement data from the lead scope tocalculate the target position of the lead scope. That is, if thefollower scope receives the raw measurement data, it must perform thetarget position calculation of the lead scope before it can determinethe relative position of its own device to the target.

Additional options include the ability of the lead scope to capture adigital image of the target using a digital image sensor incorporatedinto or attached onto the scope and transmit the digital image to thefollower scope so that the operator of the follower scope would knowwhat it is looking for. A further option would be for the follower scopeto signal back to the lead scope that it sees the target and to transmita digital image of its view of the target. Capturing a digital image ofthe target could have unique applications in military and lawenforcement. For example, if at least one of the scopes is connected tothe Internet and the digital image is a human face, the digital imagecould be transmitted through the Internet to a database that wouldattempt to match the face using facial recognition. If a match isidentified, additional information about the target could be provided toeach of the scopes. As an alternative to conventional face recognition,other biometric measures can be captured and transmitted such as gaitand facial blood vessel patterns which when used with a thermal imagercan form a digital fingerprint of a human face.

In the above description, it is assumed that a conventional opticalsystem is used to capture the image. However, alternatives such a nightvision and forward looking infrared could also be used.

B. Example Steps for Second Embodiment

The steps of the second embodiment are similar to the first embodiment,except that a network server (which as noted above could be one or moreof the scopes in the network) performs additional calculations asdescribed above to amalgamate the estimated location data that isaccumulated from each scope that identified the target to definesuccessively more precise location data of the target (i.e., more datapoints increase the precision of the location), which is thencommunicated to the scopes that have not yet located the target.Additionally, the network server can store multiple targets (such asfrom multiple lead scopes) and communicate those to each follower scopein the network.

C. Examples of Uses for the Network-Connected Scopes

Connected rifle scopes: two hunters are hunting. One hunter spots a preyand signals to the other hunter to lock in their scope on the same prey.If the scopes are equipped with image capture and display devices, theimage of the prey could be sent from the first hunter to the secondhunter and the second hunter could signal the first hunter using theconnected scope that it has seen the target and potentially transmit theimage that it has seen back to the first hunter. If the first hunter haslost the target, the second hunter would then become the lead scope andtransmit the position of the target (or raw measurement data) back tothe first hunter who would attempt to reacquire the target.

Connected binoculars: two birdwatchers are birding. One birdwatcherspots a bird and signals to the other birdwatcher to lock in theirbinoculars on the bird.

Connected drones and rifle scopes: A drone operated by a law enforcementagency identifies the position of a suspected shooter in a field. Policearmed with connected rifle scopes are directed to the suspected shooterposition data as initially determined by the drone and as furtherrefined by subsequent position data collected from police whosubsequently identify the shooter in their connected rifle scopes.

D. System Architecture

FIG. 1A shows a system view wherein a plurality of devices 10(device₁-device_(n)) and non-device/non-scope nodes 12 (node₁-node_(n))are in communication with a network server 16 via wireless communicationand an electronic network 18. The electronic network 18 is representedby the solid lines connecting the devices 10 to the network server 16.The electronic network 18 may be implemented via any suitable type ofwireless electronic network (e.g., local area network, wide area network(the Internet)). The functions of the one or more non-device/non-scopenodes 12 ((node₁-node_(n)) are described below. In FIG. 1A, at least thenetwork server 16 is connected to the Internet 20.

FIG. 1B shows the topology of a mesh network 22 that is suitable for usein preferred embodiments of the present invention. Preferably, theplurality of devices 10 and the network server 16 are nodes 24 in themesh network 22, and thus these elements are labeled as nodes 24 in FIG.1A. In this manner, each of the nodes 24 are capable of being incommunication with each other via the mesh network 22. In thisconfiguration, either the network server 16 becomes another node 24 inthe mesh network 22, or there is no network server 16, or one or more ofthe device scopes perform functions herein described as being performedby the network server 16. In FIG. 1B, at least one of the nodes 24 isconnected to the Internet 20. Additionally, there may be one or morenodes 26 that are outside of the mesh network 22, but which cancommunicate with nodes 24 in the mesh network 22 via the Internet 20.

The scope of the present invention includes other types of networktopologies and is not limited to a hub and spoke network architecturewith a server at the hub. The devices/nodes may be directly connected toeach other wirelessly (e.g. by way of a point to point connection whichcould also be an ad-hoc network). Each device/node may have a cellularor satellite connection and connect with each other through the cloud(i.e., the Internet). Each device/node may connect with each otherthrough a wireless router that may be land-based or aerial such as in atethered hot air balloon or drone programmed to stay in a fixed aeriallocation.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, devices/nodes may connect to thenetwork in different fashions. For example, in a six node network, fiveof the nodes could be in range of the mesh network 22. However, thesixth node could be out of range and connected to the network by acellular or network signal via the Internet 20.

FIG. 2 shows elements of a sample device 10, which may include (or maybe) either a lead scope or a follower scope. The device 10 includes aprocessor 30 connected to at least the following elements:

1. GPS/INS 32

2. compass 34 (which can be either standalone or integrated into theGPS/INS)

3. rangefinder 36

4. orientation sensor 38 (attitude)

5. elevation sensor 40 for improved accuracy (optional)

6. scope 42 (the structure of the scope will depend upon the type ofdevice)

7. audiovisual display device 44 (which can be either standalone orintegrated into the scope)

8. network interface 46 in communication with a wired or wirelesscommunication transceiver 48

9. memory 50

The audiovisual display device 44 is the element that providesprompts/messages and indicators to the user. In follower scopes,information provided by the audiovisual display device 44 assists theuser in honing in on the target. Depending upon the type of device 10and the environment that the device 10 is used in, there may be onlyvideo, only audio, or both audio and video provided by the audiovisualdisplay device 44.

FIG. 3 shows elements of the network server 16, including a processor52, memory 54, image analysis and manipulation software (JAMS) 56 whichcan implemented using artificial intelligence software, and a networkinterface 58 in communication with a wired or wireless communicationtransceiver 60.

The processor functions of the individual devices 10 and the networkserver 16 depend upon the system architecture and the distribution ofcomputing functions. As described herein, some of these functions can beperformed at either processor 30 or 52, whereas other functions may beperformed by the network server's processor 52.

FIGS. 4A-4C each show an optical sight (scope) for a rifle having anintegrated audiovisual display device. In FIG. 4A, the display device islocated at the zero degree position and presently reads “MOVE LEFT.” InFIG. 4B, the display device has four separate areas, at zero, 90, 180and 270 degrees. The display device in FIG. 4B is currently indicatingto move left (left arrow at 270 degrees is on indicated by a solid line,whereas the other three arrows for up, right and down, are off, asindicated by dashed lines). FIG. 4C is similar to FIG. 4A, except thatit includes an additional display element that shows the image that theuser should be trying to locate. The direction prompts in these figuresindicates that this rifle is presently functioning as a following scope.

III. Additional Considerations A. Target Position Weighting

When calculating a presumed target position from GPS data and the othermeasurement devices, there are known, quantifiable errors introduced bythe lead scope and follower scope(s), which can be represented bydiscrete values (e.g., +/−20 cm). Certain types of errors will beconsistent from scope to scope based on inherent limitations of themeasurement devices. Other types of errors may depend upon signalstrength, such as the strength of a GPS signal or number of satellitesused to calculate the position of the lead scope. For each calculatedtarget position, the lead scope, follower scope and/or network serveridentifies the error value. When amalgamating and accumulating targetpositions from multiple scopes to calculate an updated target position,the error values may be used to weight the strength given to each targetposition.

Various algorithms may be used to process the target positions. Forexample, target positions with the lowest error values may be morehighly weighted. Alternatively, a target position with a very high errorvalues compared to other target position error values may be deletedfrom the calculation. One way to use the additional data to moreaccurately predict the position of the target would be to place pointsrepresenting each estimated target position on a 3-dimensional grid andestimate the center point or average location of the data representingthe estimated targets. The center point can be adjusted based onweighting as discussed above.

In addition to using error values for target position weighting, atemporal factor may be used. For example, the most recently observedtarget positions may be given greater weighting. Certain targetpositions may be eliminated entirely from the weighting after apredetermined period of time has passed from the observation time.

The temporal factor may also be affected by the nature of the target forembodiments where the type of target is determined (e.g., car, person,deer) by the IAMS and/or by the scope. The temporal factor is likely tobe more important for fast-moving targets compared to slow-movingtargets. Thus, for a fast moving target (e.g., a car), the most recentlyobserved target positions may be given significantly greater weighting,and older target positions would likely be eliminated more quickly fromthe weighting compared to slower moving targets.

Since a normally fast moving target might not actually be moving (e.g.,a stationary car), and a normally slow moving target may actually bemoving fast (e.g., a running person or deer), the LAMS may also usevarious algorithms to determine if the target is actually moving, and ifso, at what speed. This calculation may then be used for the temporalfactor. For example, if a target appears to be stationary, then notemporal factor will be applied to the weightings. The algorithm maylook at multiple observed target positions and if they are relativelysimilar after factoring in their respective error values, and wereobserved at significantly different time intervals (i.e., not very closein time), it can be concluded that the target is stationary. Conversely,if multiple observed target positions are significantly different afterfactoring in their respective error values, and were observed very closein time, it can be concluded that the target is moving, and the temporalfactor should be used in the weighting.

B. Error Indicator

In one preferred embodiment, the visual indicator visually communicatesthe error information in a form that is useful to the device operator.For example, if the presumed target position is represented by a dot ona display screen of the device, an error box may by overlaid around thedot so that the operator of the device knows that the target may be inany of the areas within the error box, and is not necessarily exactlywhere the dot is showing. In the second embodiment, the error boxpresumably becomes smaller as more target positions are identified by asuccession of follower scopes.

The exact manner in which the error information is communicated dependsupon how the presumed target position is displayed on a follower device.

Advances in measurement sensors, particularly GPS technology, willimprove accuracy and reduce errors. At some point, the errors may besufficiently small that an error indicator would not enhance the userexperience.

C. Image Display and Simulation

In one embodiment, the target is represented by a one-dimensional objecton a display screen, such as a dot. In an alternative embodiment, thetarget is represented by a simulated two-dimensional orthree-dimensional image on the display screen. If a digital image iscaptured and transmitted, the actual image of the target may bedisplayed on the screen. Using image analysis and manipulation software(JAMS) which could be implemented using artificial intelligence (AI)techniques such as a neural network, the simulation process allows forthe target to be rotated so that it appears properly positioned withrespect to the follower scope. Consider the following example:

1. A lead scope identifies a deer (target) that is a quarter-mile awayand is facing the device head-on.

2. The target position of the deer and a physical image of the deer iscaptured by the scope and communicated to the network server.

3. The IAMS in the network server or remotely accessed via the Internetidentifies key visual features within the image and compares thesefeatures with known objects to categorize the target as a front view ofthe deer and retrieves a simulated image of a deer from its database.

4. A follower scope receives target position data regarding the deer,and it is determined that the follower scope is also about aquarter-mile from the deer but is 90 degrees off compared to the leadscope. The IAMS can then rotate the simulated deer by 90 degrees andcommunicate a side view of the deer for display on the follower scope sothat the follower scope knows what the deer is likely to look like.

5. After physical image data is captured from a plurality of scopes, theIAMS can build a 3-D image of the target, thereby enabling a morerealistic view of the target to be displayed on the follower scopes thatare still looking for the target. The IAMS must know the positions ofboth the lead scope and the follower scope to perform the renderingsince both positions are necessary to know how to rotate the 3-D imageof the target. If actual images are captured, one option would be forthe IAMS to combine the actual image data rather than simulate theimage.

6. In law enforcement applications, the IAMS could attempt to match thetarget image to a person using facial recognition or other biometrictechniques. If there is a match, information about the target could bereturned to the scopes.

7. A further application of an image display system incorporated intothe scopes would be the ability of the follower scope to retrieve ahigh-resolution aerial image or topographical map and display the aerialimage or map on the display of the follower scope together with someindicia of the approximate location of the target. If error informationis known, a box can be displayed on the aerial image or topographicalmap showing the area in which the target may be located. By combiningthe features of directing the scope to the target, providing an image ofthe target as seen by the lead scope and providing an aerial view ortopographical map including the approximate position of the targettogether with an error box, the process of finding a target is greatlyaccelerated.

In a third embodiment, the target is represented by a bounding box orhighlighted image segment on the display when present in the scope'sfield-of-view. If a digital image of the target is captured, the IAMSmay be used to identify key visual features within the image that allowsrecognition of the target object in future collected images. When thefield-of-view of the follower scope nears the target, the digital imagebuffer of the follower scope field-of-view is processed by the IAMS todetermine if there is a pattern match between the key visual features ofthe target identified previously and features within the currentfield-of-view. Upon finding the target image features, the target isvisually indicated. If the follower scope has an optical display, oneembodiment includes a transparent display overlay that is activated tohighlight a target in a particular color or draw a box around thetarget. If the follower scope has a visual display, the matched targetis designated as described above. Consider the following example:

1. A lead scope identifies a deer (target) that is a quarter-mile awayand is facing the device head-on.

2. The target position of the deer and a physical image of the deer iscaptured by the scope and communicated to the network server.

3. The IAMS in the network server or remotely accessed via the Internetuses computer vision techniques to segment the image, separating thetarget from the background image.

4. The IAMS generates a set of key identifiable features within theimage segment, such as the points on the deer's antlers and a whitepatch on its side.

5. A follower scope receives target position data regarding the deer andit is determined that the follower scope is also about a quarter-milefrom the deer, but is 45 degrees off compared to the lead scope. TheIAMS can then rotate the visual feature-set corresponding to the targetby 45 degrees so that it knows what the features should appear as in thefollower scope's field-of-view.

6. The follower scope aims in the general direction of the target,guided by the instructions regarding the target's location. Images ofthe current field-of-view of the follower scope are sent to the IAMS asthe follower scope moves for processing.

7. The IAMS performs pattern matching on the incoming follower scopeimages, comparing key features within the image with the targetfeature-set generated from the target scope and adjusted for thefollower scope's viewing angle. If a pattern match occurs, the locationof the target, within the follower scope field-of-view, is transmittedto the follower scope.

8. The follower scope presents a bounding-box overlay highlighting thelocation of the target within the display.

9. After physical image data is captured from a plurality of scopes, theIAMS can build a larger set of key identifying features from multipleangles.

D. Target Position Calculations

Calculation of a target position from the measurement data may beperformed by any one of known techniques which rely upon GPS data. U.S.Pat. No. 5,568,152 (Janky et al.), which is incorporated herein byreference, discloses a methodology for determining the location of atarget by an observer who is spaced apart from the target and who isviewing the target through a viewer/rangefinder. U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,089(Ruszkowski, Jr.), which is also incorporated herein by reference,discloses a similar methodology. Any such methodologies may be used tocalculate the target position.

To calculate the position of a follower scope relative to the target,one must effectively perform the reverse of the calculations of the leadscope. The follower scope knows its GPS coordinates and it has receivedthe approximate GPS coordinates of the target from the lead scope ornetwork server (or calculated the target position based on directly orindirectly wirelessly receiving the raw measurement data from the leadscope. With this information, the follower scope (or the network serveror another node in the network) calculates a route between the two GPScoordinates. Unlike a vehicle route where you are effectively onlydetermining a two-dimensional direction from point A to Point B, thefollower scope also determines a precise vector and range from itsposition to the position of the target. Since the follower scope alsohas a GPS/INS device, it uses the information concerning the calculatedvector to the target to direct the user to point the follower scope inalignment with the vector to the target.

Consider the following example: Assume that the follower scopedetermines that the device user is presently looking due west (270degrees) in the horizontal plane and the vector to the target is duenorth (0 degrees). The follower scope would display a right arrow orotherwise indicate that a clockwise rotation is required and would stopthe user (via displayed or verbal cues) at the point when the user ispointed at 0 degrees. At that point, the follower scope would determinethe vector in the vertical plane. For example, if the follower scope islevel but the vector to the target is 10 degrees lower, the followerscope would direct the user to lower the angle of the follower scopeuntil it matches the vector to the target in the vertical plane. Theabove example assumes that the user would be directed to the targetfirst in the horizontal plane and then in the vertical plane. However,it is possible to simultaneously direct the follower scope in both thehorizontal and vertical plan by simultaneously displaying both a rightarrow and down arrow. And, because of the GPS/INS device, the followerscope always knows its orientation and direction using GPS compassing.

E. Infrared Sensor/Heat Signature

In addition to a normal optical mode embodiments described above, analternative embodiment of the scopes incorporate a forward-lookinginfrared sensor to detect heat signatures of targets. Using therangefinder, the system detects the location of the target correspondingto the selected heat signature and then in addition to or instead oftransmitting an image of the target of interest, the system transmitsthe heat signature.

F. Non-Visual Displays

Although the preferred embodiment transmits the image and/or heatsignature to the other devices in the system, at least a portion of thedevices may not have visual displays. In that case, the follower scopemay rely simply on directional arrows or other indicia to direct theuser of the follower scope to the target.

G. Audio Prompts

In lieu of directional arrows or other indicia to direct the followerscope, a connection between the follower scope and a pair of headphones,connected wired or wirelessly such as by Bluetooth, may be used whichdirects the use to move the device (e.g., up, down, left, right).

H. Direct Use of Range Information

In the embodiments described above, range information from therangefinder is not used for identifying the target at the followerscope. Since optical scopes and binoculars focus for variable distances,the guidance to target information may also include indicia to allow theuser to know the correct distance to look at or focus on. In the audioembodiment, commands may be provided to focus nearer or further, lookcloser, or the like. Stated another way, the user is already lookingalong a vector calculated based on the known target location and theknown location of the follower scope. The rangefinder can be used to getan idea of whether you are too far or too close to the target. Forexample, the target may be one mile away, but the user is currentlylooking 1.5 miles away.

I. Target Marking

The lead scope may incorporate cross-hairs or other target selectionindicia such as a reticle to mark the target. Once marked, therangefinder detects the distance to the target and the system determinesthe coordinates of the target and notifies the follower scopes of thetarget position as described above or communicates with an availablenetwork server to store the coordinates of the target.

J. Trigger Switch

In a rifle or gun application, the lead scope may incorporate the switchto send the information to follower scopes into a sensor on or adjacentto the trigger.

K. Overlay for Display

A more complex follower scope may include a higher resolution displayand utilize augmented reality techniques to overlay visual informationreceived from the lead scope and indicia directing the follower scope tothe target onto an optical field-of-view of the follower scope. Anoverlay may be implemented by a heads-up display or equivalent or byswitching to a complete digital display.

L. Target Image Capture

The image of the target may be captured in a manner substantiallyidentical to a variety of techniques used in digital cameras. Forexample, at the point in time when the user of the lead scope designatesthe target, a mirror may fold down and direct the image to an imagesensor similar to the operation of a digital SLR. The lead scope mayalso operate similar to a mirrorless or compact camera which does notuse a mirror.

M. Adjustments for Hand Movements

Position movement of the lead scope due to hand movements of the device(e.g., rifle/gun, binoculars) by the user may introduce instability tothe system. To address this issue, a touchpad or other pointing devicemay be mounted on the device and used to move the cross-hairs or othertarget indicia over the target. Once the target is tagged, the range isdetermined based on the range to the center of the cross-hairs using therangefinder. In some cases, and depending on the range findingtechnology used, it may be necessary to mechanically redirect therangefinder to point at the target using linear or other silent motorswhich would make minimal noise. Once the range is determined, the targetposition calculation is performed and adjusted for the offset betweenthe orientation of the lead scope and the offset to the orientationdetermined based on the amount that the cross-hairs have been movedoff-center.

N. Terrain Obstructions

In some cases, terrain features (e.g. hills, mountains) may be on thepath of the vector between the follower scope and the target. Forexample, if the lead scope is one mile due north of the target and thefollower scope is two miles due south, there could be a hill between thefollower scope and the target. Detailed topographic maps andnavigational tools are readily available. For example, software productssuch as Terrain Navigator Pro, commercially available from Trimble®subsidiary MyTopo™, Billings, Mont., provides detailed topographicalmaps of the entire U.S. and Canada and incorporates U.S. Geologicalsurvey maps at various scales. Using conventional GPS routing techniquesknown to those skilled in the art, either a computer in the lead scopeor a computer in an intelligent node in the network of connected scopescan overlay the vector between the follower scope and the target onto atopographical map of the area and determine if the vector passes througha terrain feature that would make it impossible for the follower scopeto see the target. If an obstruction is present, an indicia that thetarget is blocked from view may be presented to the user of the followerscope. In some embodiments, using the data from the topographical mapsand the location of the target and follower scope, the follower scopemay direct the user to move to another position, preferably the closestposition, where it would have an unobstructed view of the target.

The computer in the lead scope or the computer in an intelligent node inthe network of connected scopes outputs at least one of theseinformation items (i.e., an indicia for display by the second scope thatthe presumed target is blocked from view, and electronically generatedindicators for use by the second scope to prompt the operator of thesecond scope to move to another position that allows for an unobstructedview of the presumed target) when a determination is made that thevector passes through a terrain feature that would prevent the secondscope from viewing the presumed target.

O. Multiple Scopes Acting as Lead Scope

In the second embodiment, there may be situations where multiple scopessend targets at the same time. In the second embodiment, each scope hasthe capability to be a lead scope or follower scope at any given time,thus creating the possibility that multiple scopes may be sendingposition information associated with different targets simultaneously.In embodiments where scopes can receive an image of the targettransmitted by the lead scope, multiple target images could be displayedin a list and using selector buttons, a pointing device, or by trackingthe eye and determining a focus point, the target of interest could beselected by the follower scope and thereafter the follower scope wouldbe directed to the target as previously described. If the follower scopedid not have the capability to display the target images received frommultiple lead scopes, the user of the follower scope would be presentedwith a list of available targets and associated annotating information,such as distance to target, time of creation, or originating scope, andhave the ability to select a target of interest through the use ofselector buttons, a pointing device, or eye tracking. If the followerscope did not have the capability to present the user the list oftargets, the processor would select the target based on predeterminedcriteria or an algorithm which would use various factors to select thebest target. These factors could include nearest target, target withleast error rate, target matched by the IAMS to a preferred target typesuch as a particular animal or person identified by facial recognition.

In embodiments where scopes can present digital overlays, the followerscope could support the simultaneous tracking of multiple targets ofinterest. Instead of selecting a single target of interest from a listof available targets, the user of a follower scope would have theability to toggle each available target as shown or hidden. If anavailable target is set to show, indicia would be added to the followerscope overlay, annotated with a label indicating which target ofinterest it is guiding towards.

In some embodiments, it may be unclear if a scope is sendingconfirmation that it has identified and pointed at a target previouslyselected by a lead scope or acting as a lead scope and sending a newtarget. To eliminate this issue, a user interface may be included toallow the user of the scope to indicate whether it is sending positioninformation associated with a new target or confirmation that it hasseen a target that was previously designated by a different target.Alternatively, if images are transmitted with the position data and thesystem includes an IAMS, the IAMS could compare the images of thetargets and determine whether to treat the received position data asassociated with a previously designated target or a new target.

It is also possible that the user of a scope could make a mistake andimproperly indicate that it has selected a target previously designatedby a lead scope when in fact the scope is actually designating adifferent target. This could occur for a variety of reasons with oneexample being the same type of animal being within the error box.Ideally, when the target is designated by a scope when another targethas previously been designated by a lead scope, the IAMS would have thecapability of comparing the two images and determining that the targetimages have a low probability of being the same target and the thatscope is acting as a lead scope and sending data associated with a newtarget.

P. Game Mode

The network-connected scopes may be used to play a game with scoringmaintained by any one of the scopes or a network server. The game mayoperate over a fixed time interval. In one embodiment, the lead scopesets the target and each follower scope searches for the target. Pointsare awarded based on the order in which the follower scopes identify thetarget and/or the amount of time it takes for the follower scope to findthe target. A maximum amount of time is provided for the follower scopesto find the target at which point the round ends. Either sequentially orrandomly, a new lead scope is then designated to find a target and thenext round is played. The winner of the game is the scope with themaximum points at the conclusion of the preset time for the game.Alternatively, the game ends when a target score is achieved and theplayers are ranked based on their points.

Q. Automatic Target Detection

The IAMS can be used to support the operator of a lead scope byidentifying potential targets within the current field-of-view throughobject classification. Prior art processes exist to analyze image framesand identify objects in the image frame. For example, the GOOGLE® CloudVision API provides image analytics capabilities that allowsapplications to see and understand the content within the images. Theservice enables customers to detect a broad set of entities within animage from everyday objects (e.g., “sailboat”, “lion”, “Eiffel Tower”)to faces and product logos. Software applications of this type may beused for identifying potential targets within the current field-of-viewthrough object classification.

Using an IAMS-enabled lead scope having object classificationfunctionality, the operator can select the type of target they arelooking for from a preset list (e.g. car, person, deer), at which pointan image is captured from the lead scope and the IAMS highlights anyobjects within the view that match the specified object type, such aswith a bounding box or highlighted image segment. The lead scope canthen be pointed at one of the highlighted potential targets andactivated to designate the target.

In an alternative embodiment, the image processing can be continuous,such that as the lead scope is moved around, any objects that are foundto match the specified object type are highlighted.

In another embodiment, the automatic target detection is extended to oneor more follower scopes using features described in the image simulationand display of section C above. Consider the following example:

1. Automatic target detection is performed using the lead scope asdescribed above.

2. Using the process described in section C above, the IAMS calculateshow the target image should appear based on the location of a specificfollower scope with respect to the lead scope. The appearance factors inthe angle (e.g., same angle (head on), rotated +/−90 degrees (left orright side view), rotated 180 degrees (butt view)) and distance (e.g.,same, bigger, or smaller in size, depending upon distance to thetarget).

3. An image is captured from the field-of-view of the follower scope andautomated pattern identification is performed to determine if theexpected target image from the lead scope, as it was calculated toappear by the follower scope, is actually in the field-of-view of thefollower scope. For example, if a deer is supposed to appear rotated +90degrees, a deer that is facing the follower scope head on, as determinedfrom the automated pattern recognition, would not likely be the correcttarget. However, if the deer is supposed to appear rotated +90 degrees,and a deer is determined to be in the field-of-view of the followerscope and is also determined to be rotated +90 degrees, as determinedfrom the automated pattern recognition, the deer is likely to be thecorrect target.

4. If the expected target image is in the field-of-view of the followerscope, a similar type of bounding box or highlighted image segmentappears in the follower scope, and appropriate prompts are provided tothe operator of the follower scope to re-position the follower scopefrom its current target position towards the target image in thebounding box or highlighted image segment.

FIG. 5 shows a sample preset list that may be displayed on a display ofscope. In this example, the listed objects include a human, a deer and avehicle. The operator of the scope has selected “deer.” Assume that thefield-of-view of the scope is analyzed for object detection and the onlyobject appearing in the field-of-view is a single deer at approximatelythe 1:00 o'clock position. This would result in a field-of-view similarto that shown in FIG. 4C with corresponding instructions to prompt theoperator of the scope to move the scope from its current target positionto the target position of the deer.

R. Focal Length of Scopes

In the embodiments described above, it is presumed that the scopes allhave similar focal lengths. However, if the scopes have different focallengths, the IAMS must make an appropriate adjustment when determiningthe size of the object being analyzed in the field-of-view and the sizeof the object displayed as an image in a follower scope. Preferably, theIAMS receives data regarding the focal lengths of the respective scopesso that any such adjustments can be made.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention may be implemented asmethods, of which examples have been provided. The acts performed aspart of the methods may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly,embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an orderdifferent than illustrated, which may include performing some actssimultaneously, even though such acts are shown as being sequentiallyperformed in illustrative embodiments.

S. Flowcharts

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for tracking a single presumed targetby a first scope and a second scope located remotely from one anotherand being moved by separate scope operators, wherein each of the scopesinclude a plurality of measurement devices configured to provide currenttarget position data. In one preferred embodiment the process isimplemented by at least the following steps:

600: Identify current target position data regarding a presumed targetthat is located by an operator of the first scope, using the pluralityof measurement devices in the first scope.602: The first scope electronically communicates to the second scope thecurrent target position data regarding the presumed target identified bythe operator of the first scope.604: The second scope identifies its current target position data of thesecond scope's current target position using its plurality ofmeasurement devices.606: Calculate in a processor of the second scope, using its currenttarget position data and the current target position data received fromthe first scope, position movements that are required to move the secondscope from its current target position to the target position of thepresumed target identified by the first scope.608: The processor of the second scope outputs electronically generatedindicators for use by the second scope to prompt the operator of thesecond scope to make the position movements. The operator of the secondscope uses the indicators to re-position the scope from its currenttarget position so as to move towards the target position defined by thecurrent target position data received from the first scope.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for tracking a single presumed targetby a plurality of scopes located remotely from one another and beingmoved by separate scope operators, wherein each of the scopes include aplurality of measurement devices configured to provide current targetposition data, and each of the scopes are in electronic communicationwith a network server, and the current target position data have errorvalues. In one preferred embodiment the process is implemented by atleast the following steps:

700: Identify current target position data regarding a presumed targetthat is located by an operator of the first scope, using the pluralityof measurement devices in the first scope.702: The first scope electronically communicates to the network serverthe current target position data regarding the presumed targetidentified by the operator of the first scope.704. The network server communicates to the remaining scopes the currenttarget position data regarding the presumed target identified by theoperator of the first scope.706: Each of the remaining scopes use the current target position dataregarding the presumed target identified by the operator of the firstscope to locate the presumed target.708: Upon locating the presumed target, each of the remaining scopeselectronically communicate to the network server the current targetposition data regarding the presumed target, the current target positiondata being identified by the respective remaining scopes using theplurality of measurement devices in the respective remaining scopes.710: The network server calculates updated current target position dataupon receiving current target position data from any one of theremaining scopes by amalgamating the current target position data fromeach scope that located the presumed target, the updated current targetposition data having reduced error values compared to the error valuesof the current target position data identified by only the first scope.712: The network server electronically communicates the updated currenttarget position data regarding the presumed target to the remainingscopes that have not yet located the presumed target.714: The remaining scopes that have not yet located the presumed targetuse the updated current target position data, instead of any previouslyreceived current target position data, for locating the presumed target.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process for tracking a plurality of presumedtargets by a plurality of lead scopes and one or more follower scopeslocated remotely from one another and being moved by separate scopeoperators, wherein each of the scopes include a plurality of measurementdevices configured to provide current target position data, and each ofthe scopes are in electronic communication with a network server. In onepreferred embodiment the process is implemented by at least thefollowing steps:

800: The plurality of lead scopes identify current target position dataregarding a presumed target that is located by an operator of therespective lead scope, using the plurality of measurement devices in therespective lead scope.802: The plurality of lead scopes electronically communicate to thenetwork server (i) the current target position data regarding thepresumed target identified by the operator of the respective lead scope,and (ii) information regarding each of the presumed targets.804: The network server communicates to the one or more follower scopes(i) the current target position data regarding the presumed targetsidentified by the operators of the lead scopes, and (ii) the informationregarding each of the presumed targets.806: Each of the one or more follower scopes uses the informationregarding each of the presumed targets to electronically select one ofthe presumed targets of the lead scopes.808: Each of the one or more follower scopes locate the selectedpresumed target by (i) identifying its current target position data ofits current target position using its plurality of measurement devices,(ii) calculating, using its current target position data and the currenttarget position data of the selected presumed target position, movementsthat are required to move the follower scope from its current targetposition to the target position of the selected presumed target, and(iii) outputting electronically generated indicators for use by thefollower scope to prompt the operator of the follower scope to make theposition movements. The operator of the follower scope uses theindicators to re-position the follower scope from its current targetposition so as to move towards the target position defined by thecurrent target position data of the selected presumed target.

T. Additional Details for GPS Compassing

As discussed above, VectorNav Technologies, LLC markets a device thatincludes a dual-antenna feature for providing GPS compassing. InertialSense, LLC also markets a device under the name “ONS-Dual Compass” thatprovides similar GPS-Compassing functionality. The μINS-2-Dual Compassincludes additional capabilities to improve the detected location data(Real-time kinematic or RTK) and two receivers to simultaneously receiveGPS data from two precisely positioned antennas to enable accurate GPSheading determination from a static position. Both of these devices aresuitable for use in the present invention.

U. Additional Details for Node Communication

The devices/nodes in FIGS. 1A and 1B may connect to public and privatedatabases, application servers, and other voice and data networks via aninternet connection or via a private data communications capabilitylinked to a base station or an MSC.

V. Additional Details Regarding Target Information

Regarding the example use case discussed above of connected riflescopes, additional voice and data information may be exchanged by thehunters, such as verification that the specific target of interest(here, the prey) is within the legal limits for hunting.

W. Additional Details of Error Indicator

As discussed above, an error box may be overlaid around the presumedtarget position on a display screen of the device. The error box isbased on the combination of the errors introduced by the lead scope andfurther error introduced by the follower scope. The error introduced bythe lead scope and follower scope is a function of, among other things,the accuracy of the sensors for position, range and orientation, rangeto target and the optical characteristics of each scope.

X. Additional Details for Image Display and Simulation

As discussed above, LAMS may be used to allow a target to be rotated sothat it appears properly positioned with respect to the follower scope.In the example discussed above, the IAMS can rotate the simulated deerby 90 degrees and communicate a side view of the deer for display on thefollower scope so that the follower scope knows what the deer is likelyto look like. Furthermore, using augmented reality techniques, theprocessor in the follower scope may overlay the simulated rotated imageof the deer with the actual image captured by the follower scope whenthe follower scope is pointing at the target area.

Y. Additional Details for Target Marking

As a further enhancement to the process of target marking, a nightvision goggle viewable laser may be used to mark the target. If thefollower scope has night vision capability, once the follower scope ispointed at the correct area of interest, it would be able to verify thatit was looking at the correct target by observing the laser on thetarget.

Z. Smartphone Device/Mobile Device

As described in the Definitions section, the device may be “handheld”and certain types of devices are themselves “scopes.” In one preferredembodiment, the handheld device is a smartphone/mobile device(hereafter, referred to as a “mobile device”) that uses an application(app) installed therein, data from sensors that are pre-installed withinthe mobile device, and the mobile device's processor and networkingcomponents, to allow the mobile device to function as a scope.

For example, rangefinder apps which allow a mobile device to function asa scope are well-known in the art. One suitable rangefinder app is“Whitetail Deer Hunting Range Finder for Hunting Deer,” commerciallyavailable from GuideHunting L.L.C.

AA. Vehicle-Mounted and Aerial-Mounted Devices, and Fixed PositionDevices

As described in the Definitions section, the devices may be handheld ormay be mounted on a land, aerial or water based vehicle. When mounted,the device mount will typically have a pan-tilt mechanism (described inmore detail below) to allow for precise positioning of the scopeassociated with the device. The vehicle-based devices are inherentlymobile. Other devices may be in fixed positions. FIG. 9A shows onepreferred embodiment of a surveillance environment having a plurality ofdevices, some of which are handheld, some of which are in fixedpositions, and some of which are aerial or vehicle-based. FIG. 9B showsone of the vehicles in FIG. 9A having vehicle-based devices mounted toor integrated therein. Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the following typesof devices are shown:

1. Vehicle-mounted devices 10 ₁-10 ₆. There are up to sixvehicle-mounted devices shown in FIG. 9A because three vehicles 90 areshown (FIG. 9B shows one of the vehicles), and one preferred embodimentof a vehicle may have up to two devices 10 mounted thereon. This type ofvehicle may be a truck-like vehicle 91 having the following structure:

-   -   i. A flatbed 92.    -   ii. A retractable sunroof/moonroof 93 (hereafter, referred to as        a “sunroof”), preferably, having a horizontally retractable        mechanism.    -   iii. A first retractable telescoping structure 94 having a first        set of surveillance equipment 95 mounted thereon, and being        mounted on the flatbed 92 of the vehicle 10, wherein the first        retractable telescoping structure 94 retracts to a form factor        that allows it to be completely stored in the flatbed and fully        covered by a flatbed cover. The first set of surveillance        equipment 95 may include one of the devices 10. In its fully        extended, upright position, the first retractable telescoping        structure 94 effectively functions as a mast, and the first set        of surveillance equipment 95 is preferably mounted at or near a        top portion of the mast.

iv. A second retractable telescoping structure 96 having a second set ofsurveillance equipment 97 mounted thereon, and being mounted completelyinside of the vehicle when fully retracted, and extending partiallythrough the sunroof 93 when in use. The second set of surveillanceequipment 97 may also include one of the devices 10. In its fullyextended, upright position, the second retractable telescoping structure96 also effectively functions as a mast, and the second set ofsurveillance equipment 97 is preferably mounted at or near a top portionof the mast.

v. A sealing device (not illustrated) to inhibit water and dirt fromentering the vehicle compartment through the open sunroof 93 when thesecond retractable telescoping structure 96 is in use.

The first and/or second set of surveillance equipment 95, 97 may alsoinclude the plurality measurement devices described above that arenecessary to provide current target position data. Accordingly, in thisembodiment, either or both sets of surveillance equipment 95, 97 mayinclude one of the devices 10.

2. Aerial-mounted device. An aerial-mounted device 10 ₇ is shown in theform of a drone. The drone may include the plurality measurement devicesdescribed above that are necessary to provide current target positiondata.

3. Handheld devices 10 ₈-10 ₁₀. Device 108 is binoculars which a personlooks through to locate or follow a target. Devices 10 ₉ and 10 ₁₀ aremobile devices, such as smartphones, being carried and operated byrespective persons. As described above, these handheld devices functionas scopes.

4. Fixed devices 10 ₁₁-10 ₁₂. Two fixed towers 101 ₁ and 101 ₂ are shownin FIG. 9A. The fixed towers 101 may serve one or both of the followingpurposes:

-   -   i. A fixed tower 101 may include its own fixed device 10 having        a scope integrated therein.    -   ii. A fixed tower 101 may receive data from one or more of the        vehicle-mounted devices 10 and handheld devices 10 for        subsequent relaying to a network server. This type of fixed        tower is a non-device/non-scope node 12, as described above with        respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A and 1B, each of the devices 10 may functionas a node 24 in the wireless communication and electronic network 18described above.

In FIG. 9A, the GPS coordinates of any of the devices 10 may be shared.In FIG. 9A, the devices 10 are shown in close proximity to each other.However, this is just for illustration purposes so as to show aplurality of different types of devices in the same surveillanceenvironment. The devices 10 may actually be miles away from each other,such as 5-10 miles from each other. The sensors on the devices 10 mayhave large ranges, such as up to 7.5 miles for target detection.Accordingly, FIG. 9A is not to scale.

Devices 10 which are on a fixed platform, such as a fixed tower 101 or amast of a non-moving vehicle, may include optical sensors that allow forwide area imaging, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,813,618 (Griffiset al.), which is incorporated by reference herein, so as to producesingle composite or panoramic images of up to 360 degrees coverage.

If the vehicle is water-based, minor position compensations must be madefor the motion of the water.

AB. Integration of Scope into Device

As described in the Definitions section, the device is the object that ascope is integrated into, and certain types of devices are themselves“scopes,” such as binoculars, telescopes and spotting scopes. Differentapproaches to integrating the scope into a device are possible. Forexample, the scope can be integrated into the device by being mounted tothe device (e.g., physically or electronically connected to a mast,tower, or drone), as shown in FIG. 9A. Moreover, integrating the scopeinto the device allows the scope to use existing sensors and othercomponents of the device, in lieu of duplicating such sensors andcomponents. For example, a drone or mobile device (e.g., smartphone) mayhave an existing camera, sensor, and processor, and can be converted toa scope by adding software to enable the drone to act as a lead orfollower scope. Furthermore, any of the scopes integrated into thedevices shown in FIG. 9A may act as a lead or follower scope.

AC. Vehicle Mobility Embodiments

The use of vehicles which effectively “carry” device-mounted ordevice-integrated scopes allow for implementing new types of targettracking processes, some of which are described in the exemplaryexamples below. That is, in these examples, at least one of the scopesis mounted to or integrated into a movable vehicle. For simplicity ofexplanation, these examples refer to “scopes” and not “devices,” but itshould be understood that the scopes are integrated into, or arethemselves, “devices.” Also, for simplicity, the presumed target isreferred to as simply the “target.”

EXAMPLE 1

1. A first scope scans an area and identifies a stationary or movingtarget (i.e., object of interest), and reports position data of thetarget either directly to a second scope, or to a network server thatthe second scope is in communication with so as to obtain the positiondata.

2. The second scope obtains the position data and is provided withposition movement (re-positioning data) so as to locate the target.

3. Upon the second scope locating the target, the vehicle that thesecond scope is mounted to or integrated into is directed to move to anew and “better location” (improved location) for the second scope toview the target. A better location may be defined by one or morefactors, such as being closer to the target, having a less obstructedview of the target, being at a higher elevation to view the target, orbeing at the best position for capturing biometric data of the target(e.g., a face of a person or animal). The improved location may beimproved relative to the vehicle's current position, and/or improvedrelative to the current location of the first scope.

4. The second scope also reports back the target position data directlyto the first scope, or to a network server that the first scope is incommunication with so as to obtain the position data. The first scopemay then use this position data to assist in better identifying positiondata of the target.

In the case of a vehicle such as the truck described above wherein oneof the scopes is integrated into a device which is mounted on the truck,the truck operator may receive directions (position movements) regardingwhere to move the truck, so that a mast-mounted scope can better see thetarget. Once the truck is in a better location, it may still benecessary for the scope to be re-oriented/repositioned. Thus, theprocess for getting the second scope into the best position to view thetarget may involves two separate and processes, namely (1) moving thevehicle (that the second scope is mounted to or integrated into) to abetter location, and (2) re-orienting/repositioning the second scope.This process may be iterative, in that the second scope may becontinuously re-oriented/repositioned as the vehicle position changes.

EXAMPLE 2

1. A first scope scans an area and identifies a stationary or movingtarget (i.e., object of interest), and reports position data of thetarget either directly to a vehicle which is remote from the first scopeand that includes the second scope mounted to or integrated therein, orto a network server that the vehicle is in communication with so as toobtain the position data.

2. The vehicle that the second scope is mounted to or integrated intoobtains the position data and is provided with position movement data soas to move the vehicle to a particular location (e.g., the “betterlocation” described above) that would allow the second scope to view thetarget.

3. The second scope then attempts to locate the target using theposition data from the first scope. The vehicle and/or the second scopemay then be iteratively moved or re-positioned in the same manner asdescribed above in Example 1.

Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that the second scope does notattempt to locate the target until the vehicle is first moved to a newlocation based on the position data of the target received from thefirst scope.

EXAMPLE 3

This example illustrates another embodiment that relies upon a networkof scopes, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In this embodiment, the firstscope or the network server has knowledge of the position of the otherscopes.

1. A first scope, which initially acts as a lead scope, scans an areaand identifies a stationary or moving target (i.e., object of interest),but the first scope has a poor view of the target.

2. The first scope or the network server uses the positions of the otherscopes to identify a second scope from among the scopes in the networkthat likely has the best view of the target.

3. The first scope or the network server directs the second scope tolocate the target using the position data from the first scope.

4. The second scope then takes over as the lead scope, and sends itsnewly collected target position data to the other scopes (including thefirst scope) so that the other scopes can better locate and track thetarget.

The scope with the best view may be a scope within the network of scopesthat is closest to the target, has the least obstructed view of thetarget, is at the best elevation to view the target, is in the bestposition for capturing biometric data of the target (e.g., a face of aperson or animal), or is in the best position to shoot a projectile(e.g., bullet) at the target or at a specific part of the target.

The scope that has the best view may not necessarily be avehicle-mounted or vehicle-integrated scope. However, if the scope thathas the best view is a vehicle-mounted or vehicle-integrated scope, thenan alternative embodiment of this example may be similar to Example 2wherein the second scope does not attempt to locate the target until thevehicle associated with the second scope that is believed to have thebest view is first moved to a new location based on the position data ofthe target received from the first scope.

This example, other than the alternative embodiment, may also beimplemented even if none of the scopes are vehicle-mounted orvehicle-integrated, since a vehicle is not a necessary component of theprocess.

AD. Scope Movements and Vehicle Movements

In the embodiments described in FIGS. 1-8, the operator of the secondscope uses indicators to re-position the second scope from its currenttarget position so as to move towards the target position defined by thecurrent target position data received from the first scope. However, inthe embodiment of FIG. 9A, some of the scopes are not physically movedby operators, such as the scopes mounted on the mast of a vehicle orfixed tower. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the second scope useselectronic control signals to re-position the second scope from itscurrent target position so as to move towards the target positiondefined by the current target position data received from the firstscope. This may involve physically or electronically rotating and/orpivoting the second scope with respect to its mounting, such as by usinga pan-tilt mechanism described below, and/or by changing opticalparameters of the second scope. An operator may direct suchre-positioning movements by viewing a display of the second scope, andcausing appropriate electronic control signals to be generated. Forexample, the processor of the second scope may output electronicallygenerated indicators that are shown on a display of the second scope toprompt the operator of the second scope to make the position movementsin a manner similar to the embodiments described above with respect toFIGS. 1-8. The operator may then use the electronically generatedindicators to make control inputs to an operator-controlled gamecontroller or other pointing device (also, referred to herein as “anoperator-controlled input device”) which are translated into theelectronic control signals to move the pan-tilt mechanism and/or tochange optical parameters of the second scope. The operator and thedisplay of the second scope is preferably in or near the vehicle thatthe second scope is mounted to or integrated into. This embodiment isillustrated in FIG. 12A.

Alternatively, there is no operator involvement with the scopemovements, and the calculated position/re-positioning movements aredirectly inputted into a processor to generate the electronic controlsignals that physically or electronically rotate and/or pivot the secondscope with respect to its mounting, and/or change optical parameters ofthe second scope. This embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 12B. The sameprocessor may be used to calculate the position movements and generatethe electronic control signals, or a first processor may be used tocalculate the position movements, and a second processor (such as aprocessor dedicated to the pan-tilt mechanism) may be used to generatethe electronic control signals.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9A, there are two positioning changes that canbe made to track a target position, namely, a location movement of thevehicle that the scope is mounted to or integrated into, as well aspositioning changes regarding the scope itself, which may be physical orelectronic, depending upon the type of device that the scope isintegrated into, as well as the type of scope itself. Regarding thelocation movement of the vehicle, one embodiment may operate as follows:

1. The network server uses the position data of the target from thesecond scope (Example 1) or the first scope (Example 2) to determine theimproved location for the vehicle based on any of the previouslyidentified factors.

2. The location of the vehicle is provided by conventional GPS data.

3. The improved location is plugged into a conventional mapping program(e.g., GOOGLE Maps, APPLE Maps) as a destination, and conventionalprompts may be given to the vehicle operator to move the vehicle to theimproved location for allowing the second scope to view the target fromthe improved location. For off-road movement applications, topographicalmaps may be used and the vehicle is repositioned using the shortest pathto the improved position that is feasible based on any determinedterrain obstructions that are identified as being between the vehicleand the target location.

AE. Elevation Calculations

As discussed above, an elevation sensor may optionally be used toimprove the accuracy of the elevation determined by the GPS/INS. In analternative embodiment, accuracy may be improved by overlaying GPScoordinates on a topographical map. The elevation on the topographicalmap is then compared to the elevation determined by the GPS/INS, andadjustments may be made. For example, if the GPS/INS indicates anelevation of 10 feet, but the topographical map shows the positioncoordinates to be at 20 feet, a suitable algorithm may be employed toselect the elevation, such as by averaging the two values, or weightingone value more than the other, or by factoring in a neighboring(different) elevation on the topographical map if the positioncoordinates are close to a neighboring elevation after accounting forerrors in the GPS/INS values. The elevation calculations should alsofactor in known characteristics of the devices and their associatedscopes, such as the height of a mast to which the scope is mounted, orthe height of the scope operator.

AF. Autonomous Vehicles

In one preferred embodiment, the vehicle is user-operated, and a vehicleoperator who is physically present in the vehicle causes the vehicle tobe moved from position to position, such as when implementing thevehicle movement described above in Examples 1 or 2. However, in analternative embodiment, one or more of the vehicles are autonomousvehicles. An autonomous vehicle, also known as a self-driving vehicle,robot vehicle, or driverless vehicle, is a vehicle that is capable ofsensing its environment and moving with little or no human input.Autonomous vehicles combine a variety of sensors to perceive theirsurroundings, such as radar, computer vision, Lidar, sonar, GPS,odometry and inertial measurement units. Advanced control systemsinterpret sensory information to identify appropriate navigation paths,as well as obstacles and relevant signage (if the vehicle is on a road).

The vehicle which includes a lead scope or a follower scope mounted toor integrated therein may be autonomous. For example, a lead scope maysearch for a target, and then the vehicle which includes a followerscope mounted to or integrated therein may look for the targetautonomously. More specifically, the vehicle which includes a followerscope mounted to or integrated therein will be moved to the appropriateposition as described above in Examples 1 or 2. In the autonomousvehicle embodiment, position movement instructions for the vehicle areautomatically implemented, instead of being provided to a vehicleoperator for implementation.

AG. Calculation of Improved Location for Viewing the Presumed Target(“Target”)

The improved (better) location of a vehicle having a second scopemounted to or integrated into the vehicle will meet one or more of thefollowing conditions relative to the vehicle's first position, or theposition of the first scope:

(i) closer to the target,

(ii) provides a less obstructed view of the target,

(iii) at a higher elevation to view the target,

(iv) at a better position for capturing biometric data of the target,and

(v) better position to shoot a projectile (e.g., bullet) at the targetor at a specific part of the presumed target.

The algorithm for relocating the vehicle will be different dependingupon which of these conditions are most important, the type of target(also, referred to as “the target”), and what actions, if any, need tobe taken with respect to the target. The algorithm also depends uponfactors such as scope optics and terrain issues.

Consider an example wherein the target is a person or animal (a “person”is used in the following description for convenience of explanation),and it is necessary for the second scope to see facial details of theperson so as to track the person and/or perform facial recognition ofthe person. The goal, or at least the initial goal, is not to come rightup to the target, but instead the goal is to be positioned at asufficiently close distance so that the target can be viewed, typicallyin a covert manner. Thus, there may be a minimum distance that should bekept between the scope and the target, such as 50 meters.

As is well-known in the art, facial recognition typically involvescollecting dozens of facial features (often referred to in the art as“facial landmarks”) of the person of interest, and then using analgorithm to create a facial signature for the person. The facialsignature is then compared to a database of known faces to potentiallyidentify the person, assuming that their facial signature is in thedatabase. Alternatively, once the facial signature is obtained from thefirst scope, the second scope may use the facial signature to confirmthat they are viewing the same person, or vice-versa, regardless ofwhether or not the person is identified in a database of known faces.

Facial signatures and facial recognition typically require that theviewer (here, a scope) be within a predefined viewing angle (arc) of theperson's face so as to capture a minimum set of facial features thatbecome the inputs to the algorithm. Thus, it is not necessary for theviewer to be directly facing the person's face, but the viewer cannot befacing the back of the person's face. Of course, the more facialfeatures that can be captured, the more accurate the facial signaturewill be.

The first step in the process is to calculate how close the scope mustbe to the person so as to capture sufficient facial features that wouldallow the algorithm to obtain an accurate facial signature. This willdepend on algorithm inputs since different algorithms use differentfacial features, and it will also depend upon scope optics such as lensquality, optical zoom, and the quality of any digital zoom. Thisdistance may be determined experimentally before a scope is deployed ina surveillance environment. Consider an example wherein a scopecontaining very high quality optics can create accurate facialsignatures at distances up to 150 meters. This means that the scope (andthereby the vehicle that has the scope mounted to or integrated therein)should be positioned 150 meters or less from the target.

The second step in the process is to calculate the angle that the scopeshould be positioned with respect to the person so as to be within thepredefined viewing angle (arc) of the person's face, and ideallypointing towards the person's face. If the person is not stationary, amovement detection algorithm may be employed to detect the generaldirection of the person's movement, which will provide the appropriateviewing angle. If the person is stationary, it may be necessary to getclose enough to the person to initially detect which direction theirface is pointing, and then the appropriate viewing angle can bedetermined. The distance to the person for making this determinationwould typically be much greater that the distance required to capturethe minimum set of facial features that is necessary for the facialrecognition algorithm. For example, the direction that a person's faceis pointing may be discernible at distances up to 300 meters.

The distance and angle data are then used to determine one or moresuitable locations to reposition the vehicle so that the scope can viewthe person using the most current target position data that isavailable. Once a location or set of locations is determined,conventional GPS routing techniques/mapping software may be employed togenerate position movement instructions for the vehicle while alsoavoiding terrain obstructions for any portion of the directions thatinvolve off-road driving. Furthermore, terrain obstructions not only mayrequire modifications to the position movement instructions, but mayalso factor into where best to reposition the vehicle so that the targetcan be viewed by the scope that is mounted to or integrated into thevehicle.

The same process described above is also suitable for identifying thebest scope to select as a follower scope after a lead scope identifies atarget when the surveillance environment includes a network of devices,each of the devices have a scope mounted to or integrated, or whereinthe device itself is a scope.

Consider, for example, the surveillance environment shown in FIG. 11Awherein there is a lead scope that has identified a target, T, at adistance of about 500 meters. The target T is walking towards a river ina southwestern direction. Three follower scopes 1-3 are in thesurveillance environment, and each of these scopes has the ability toperform facial recognition at a distance of 150 meters or less. In thisexample, follower scope 3 would be directed to move to a new locationthat is 130 meters from the most current target position because thefollower scope can more quickly get to a suitable location to view thetarget compared to follower scopes 1 and 2. While the follower scope 2is initially closer to the target, the follower scope cannot get closeenough to a location that is 150 meters or less from the target unlessit takes a long route to get over one of the bridges. While the followerscope 1 is right near one of the bridges, it is farther away from asuitable viewing location than follower scope 3.

FIG. 11B is shows a similar surveillance environment as FIG. 11A, exceptthat a mountain would obstruct the view of the target if the followerscope 3 was moved to the position shown in FIG. 11A. Accordingly, themapping software directs the follower scope 3 to a slightly furtherlocation that is also 130 meters from the target, but where there is nosuch viewing obstruction. The mapping software may operate in aniterative manner as follows, prior to generating any final positionmovement instructions:

Step 1. Calculate an initial location that should allow the scope toview the target (e.g., 130 meters from the target, and generally facingthe direction that the target is moving in, or generally facing thefront of the target).

Step 2. Using topographical map data and terrain obstruction data,determine if the scope can actually view the target at the initiallocation (e.g, no hills/ridges, mountains, trees in line of sight).

Step 3. If the scope would not likely be able to view the target, moveto another nearby location that should allow the scope to view thetarget, and which is also greater than a predetermined minimum distancefrom the target so as to maintain a covert surveillance.

Step 4. Iteratively repeat steps 2 and 3 until a suitable location isidentified.

Step 5. Identify the best candidate for the follower scope based upon(i) the physical ability of the follower scopes to reach the suitablelocation from their respective current locations (e.g., a vehicle cannotcross a river), and for the scopes that can physically reach thesuitable location, (ii) the time and effort required to reach thesuitable location from their respective current locations. This stepwould be skipped if the follower scope is pre-identified, or if there isonly one possible candidate for the follower scope.

Step 6. Generate position movement instructions for the vehicleassociated with the selected follower scope.

In this manner, the mapping software effectively simulates a pluralityof potential new locations, and then determines if the new locations aresuitable for moving a vehicle to. The mapping software also preferablyidentifies areas that a vehicle should not drive through (e.g., swamp,roadless forest, rough terrain) when selecting the appropriate scope,and when generating the position movement instructions for the vehicleassociated with the selected scope.

Topographical data is not only useful for selecting locations that arenot obstructed by topographical features, but may also be used to selecta better location from among multiple unobstructed locations. Forexample, if there are two suitable locations that are both aboutequidistant from the target, topographical data may be used to identifythe location that is higher in elevation, since looking down on thetarget is typically a better vantage point than looking up at thetarget.

If one of the potential uses for the scope is to shoot a projectile(e.g., bullet) at the target or at a specific part of the target,additional factors should be taken into account when selecting the newposition. Consider, for example, that the target is a large animal thatis ideally killed by being hit in a chest area by a rifle having a scopemounted thereto. Factors to be taken into account include theorientation of the scope with respect to the target (ideally, the scopeshould be facing the chest area), the expected range of rifle to inflicta deadly shot, and a minimum distance that should be kept from theanimal to avoid detection by the animal of the scope's presence. Thelocation that most ideally faces the chest area may be determined usingsimilar processes described above regarding facial recognition, whereinthe known anatomy of the animal's body is used to calculate theappropriate angle of view.

In some instances, the lead scope may be relatively close to the target,but has a partially obstructed view, and the goal is to position anotherscope to have a better view. For example, referring to FIG. 11C, thelead scope is only 120 m from the target, but has a partially obstructedview of the target due to a small ridge in its sight line. Here, themapping software directs the follower scope 3 to the same position asshown in FIG. 11A, which is 130 m from the target. Thus, while thefollower scope 3 is slightly farther from the target than the leadscope, the follower scope has a better view of the target.Alternatively, even if the ridge in FIG. 11C was not present,topographical data may indicate that the new position for the followerscope 3 is at a higher elevation than the target, compared to theelevation of the lead scope's position, and thus the follower scope 3would be in a better position to view the target by virtue of its higherelevation.

In some instances, the mapping software may determine that it is notpossible for any of the follower scopes 1-3 to reach a suitable,unobstructed position to view the target, or that the time and effort toreach such a position is unacceptable. This may be due to impassableterrain obstructions, obstructions near the target, long traveldistances, or safety concerns. In this situation, an aerial-mounteddevice may be deployed as the follower scope for viewing the target.Referring to FIG. 11D, the aerial-mounted device 10 ₇ (drone) shown inFIG. 9A may be deployed to hover over the target at a distance of 130 mfrom the target. As discussed above, the device 10 ₇ (drone) may includethe plurality measurement devices described above that are necessary toprovide current target position data. The device 10 ₇ (drone) may belaunched from one of the vehicles associated with the follower scope1-3, or it may be present at a different location than any of thefollower scopes 1-3, but still within the surveillance environment, andis ready to be deployed, if necessary.

AH. Pan-Tilt Gimbal Mechanism

In one preferred embodiment, the follower scope is manually moved byhand movements and body rotation. In another preferred embodiment, thefollower scope is connected to a pan-tilt mechanism, and is moved via anoperator-controlled game controller or other pointing device(operator-controlled input device) which directs the pan-tilt mechanism.In yet another embodiment, the pan-tilt mechanism is moved in acompletely automated manner via signals that are sent to move thepan-tilt mechanism to position or re-position the follower scope topoint at the target position. No operator input is provided in thecompletely automated embodiment. The follower scope having the pan-tiltmechanism may be vehicle-mounted (e.g., at the top of the mast ofland-based vehicle, connected to a drone), or may be mounted to the topof a fixed tower.

For example, in a completely automated embodiment, one or more of thefollower scopes is mounted to a pan-tilt mechanism or other pointing ororienting device to automatically re-position the follower scope fromits current position to the target position defined by the targetposition data received from the lead scope. In this embodiment, userprompts may be eliminated or used in combination with the automatedmovement of the follower scope. In this embodiment, the lead scope andfollower scope can be “locked” such that each position movement of thelead scope to track a target will automatically and continuously causeone or more of the follower scopes to be re-positioned in order to viewthe target identified by the lead scope.

In one preferred embodiment wherein the pan-tilt mechanism is used in aland-based vehicle, sensors are incorporated into a precision,gyro-stabilized, motor driven, pan-tilt gimbal, which is under programcontrol. The gimbal provides precise motion control, capable of variousspeeds of motion and aiming accuracy on both pan and tilt axes. Thegimbal allows for the pan axis to be rotated continuously 360 degrees,while simultaneously the tilt axis can look down to 45 degrees below thehorizon, and 90 degrees up to vertical. Electro-mechanical stabilizationprovides a stable video image. Gimbal-based pan-tilt mechanisms arewell-known in the art. Two examples of a gimbal-based pan-tilt mechanismthat is suitable for use in the present invention are described in U.S.Patent Application Publication Nos. 2017/0302852 (Lam) and 2007/0050139(Sidman), both of which are incorporated by reference herein.

When the pan-tilt mechanism is mounted to a vehicle, it is necessary toknow the orientation of the vehicle so that appropriate adjustments canbe made to the control signals given to the pan-tilt mechanism. Varioustechniques may be used to accomplish this goal.

In one embodiment, orientation sensors and GPS antennae (pluralantennas) are mounted to the moving payload of the pan-tilt mechanism,here, the scope. These sensors report the position and orientation ofthe payload with respect to a fixed reference frame such as latitude,longitude, and altitude for position, and heading, pitch, and rollangles for orientation. In this embodiment, the reported position andorientation of the vehicle is that of the payload itself.

In another embodiment, orientation sensors and GPS antennae are mountedto the base of the pan-tilt mechanism. These sensors report the positionand orientation of the base of the pan-tilt mechanism with respect to afixed reference frame. The pan-tilt mechanism also has sensors thatreport the orientation of the pan-tilt payload relative to the base ofthe pan-tilt mechanism, as pan and tilt angles. These pan and tiltangles are relative to a reference or “home” position for the pan-tiltmechanism. The orientation of the pan-tilt payload relative to the fixedreference frame is then calculated by mathematically combining theorientation of the vehicle and the pan and tilt angles, withconventional methods using, for example, Euler (yaw, pitch, and roll)angles or quaternions.

In another embodiment, orientation sensors and GPS antennae are mountedto the host vehicle. These sensors report the position and orientationof the vehicle with respect to a fixed reference frame. The pan-tiltmechanism is installed on the vehicle with an orientation relative tothe vehicle that may be represented with, for example, Euler angles. Thepan-tilt mechanism has sensors that report the orientation of thepan-tilt payload relative to the base of the pan-tilt mechanism, as panand tilt angles. The orientation of the pan-tilt payload relative to thefixed reference frame is then calculated by mathematically combining theorientation of the vehicle, the orientation of the base of the pan-tiltmechanism with respect to the vehicle, and the pan and tilt angles ofthe mechanism.

Other embodiments may include position and orientation sensorsdistributed across a number of components that can ultimately becombined in similar ways to calculate the orientation of a payload withrespect to a fixed reference frame shared with other scopesparticipating in the system.

The pan-tilt gimbal mechanism may also be used on the lead scope, eitheras an operator-controlled version or as a completely automated version.

AI. Additional Details for Automatic Target Detection

As discussed above, automatic target detection may be performed using alead scope which is programmed to search for a predefined target image,and then communicate the location of any identified target to thefollower scope. In another embodiment of the present invention, the leadscope is vehicle or mast-mounted, and the lead scope is programmed tomove in a search pattern through a designated area to look forparticular types of targets using the above-described automatic targetdetection techniques. If a target is identified (e.g., search criterionis to search for a “human” and a “human” is identified), the targetcoordinates and optional image information is transmitted to one or morefollower scopes. If the follower scope is hand-held or hand-controlled,the scope operator moves the scope to the received target position.Alternatively, if the follower scope is mounted to a pan-tilt mechanismand is fully automated (no scope operator), the follower scopeautomatically moves to the position designated by the lead scope.

A variety of search instructions can be programmed into a lead scope,such as changing characteristics of the lead scope as it moves throughthe search area. For example, the camera of the lead scope can bezoomed, switched from optical to thermal, and different filters can beapplied during the search of the designated area to increase thepossibility of finding the target that meets the specified requirements.

AJ. Additional Flowchart of Vehicle-Based Embodiment

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of one preferred embodiment of a target trackingprocess wherein one of the scopes used for target tracking is mounted toor integrated into a vehicle. In one preferred embodiment the process isimplemented by at least the following steps:

1000: Identify current target position data regarding a presumed targetthat is located by a first scope, the current target position data beingidentified using the plurality of measurement devices in the firstscope.1002: The first scope electronically communicates to a second scope thecurrent target position data regarding the presumed target identified bythe first scope.1004: The second scope identifies its current target position data ofthe second scope's current target position using its plurality ofmeasurement devices.1006: Calculate in a processor of the second scope, using its currenttarget position data and the current target position data received fromthe first scope, position movements that are required to move the secondscope from its current target position to the target position of thepresumed target identified by the first scope.1008: The processor of the second scope outputs electronically generatedsignals for use by the second scope to make the position movements.1010: Calculate in a remote server, using the current target positiondata regarding the presumed target, a second location that allows thesecond scope to view the presumed target, and electronically communicatethe second location to the vehicle.1012: Calculate in mapping software using the first location and thesecond location, position movement instructions for moving the vehiclefrom the first location to the second location, and communicate theposition movement instructions to the vehicle operator.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

What is claimed is: 1-21. (canceled)
 22. A system for tracking apresumed target in a surveillance environment, the presumed targethaving a target position, the system comprising: (a) a network server incommunication with an electronic network; (b) a first scope in thesurveillance environment configured to initially act as a lead scope andinitially locate a presumed target, the first scope including: (i) afirst plurality of measurement devices, (ii) a first processorconfigured to: (A) identify current target position data of a presumedtarget located by the first scope, the current target position databeing identified using the first plurality of measurement devices of thefirst scope, and (B) electronically communicate the current targetposition data regarding the presumed target located by the first scopeto the network server via the electronic network; and (c) a second setof scopes in the surveillance environment for following the presumedtarget identified by the lead scope, each of the second set of scopesbeing in electronic communication with the network server via theelectronic network for receiving the current target position data of thepresumed target identified by the lead scope, and reporting its positionto the network server via the electronic network, each of the second setof scopes including: (i) a second plurality of measurement devices, and(ii) a second processor configured to: (A) identify current targetposition data of the second scope's current target position using thesecond plurality of measurement devices in the second scope, and (B)calculate, using its current target position data and the targetposition data received from the first scope, position movements that arerequired to move the second scope from its current target position tothe target position of the presumed target identified by the lead scope,wherein the position movements are used to re-position the second scopefrom its current target position to move towards the target positiondefined by the current target position data of the presumed targetidentified by the lead scope, and wherein the first processor of thefirst scope, or the network server, is configured to: (i) select one ofthe scopes from the second set of scopes based on its position withrespect to the presumed target, and (ii) direct the selected scope ofthe second set of scopes to locate the target position of the presumedtarget identified by the first scope, and then take over from the firstscope as a new lead scope, wherein the second processor of the selectedscope is further configured to: (D) send its current target positiondata of the presumed target to the remaining ones of the second set ofscopes via the network server and the electronic network, therebyallowing the remaining ones of the second set of scopes to continue tofollow the presumed target that was initially located by the firstscope.
 23. The system of claim 22 wherein the selection of the scopefrom the second set of scopes is based on one of the following factors:(i) the scope in the second set of scopes that is closest to thepresumed target, (ii) the scope in the second set of scopes thatprovides the least obstructed view of the presumed target, (iii) theelevation of the second scope with respect to a view the target, (iv)ability of the scope in the second set of scopes to capture biometricdata of the target, or (v) ability of the scope in the second set ofscopes to shoot a projectile at the target or at a specific part of thetarget.
 24. The system of claim 22 wherein the second processor of theselected scope is further configured to: (C) send its current targetposition data of the presumed target to the first scope via the networkserver and the electronic network, thereby allowing the first scope tofollow the presumed target that it initially located when it acted asthe initial lead scope.
 25. The system of claim 22 wherein at least oneof the scopes in the second set of scopes is a vehicle-mounted orvehicle-integrated scope.
 26. A method for tracking a presumed target ina surveillance environment using (i) a first scope in the surveillanceenvironment that initially acts as a lead scope, (ii) a second set ofscopes in the surveillance environment that follow the presumed targetidentified by the lead scope, and (iii) a network server incommunication with an electronic network, each of the scopes being incommunication with the network server via the electronic network, eachof the scopes including a plurality of measurement devices that are usedby their respective scopes to identify current target position data ofthe presumed target, wherein the presumed target has a target position,the method comprising: (a) the first scope identifying current targetposition data of a presumed target using its plurality of measurementdevices, the first scope thereby initially locating the presumed target;(b) electronically communicating the current target position dataregarding the presumed target located by the first scope to the networkserver via the electronic network; and (c) each of the second set ofscopes reporting its respective position to the network server via theelectronic network; (d) the first processor of the first scope, or thenetwork server: (i) selecting one of the scopes from the second set ofscopes based on its position with respect to the presumed target, and(ii) directing the selected scope of the second set of scopes to locatethe target position of the presumed target identified by the firstscope, and then take over from the first scope as a new lead scope, theselected scope locating the target position of the presumed targetidentified by the first scope by: (A) identifying current targetposition data of the selected second scope's current target positionusing the plurality of measurement devices in the selected second scope,and (B) calculating, using its current target position data and thetarget position data received from the first scope, position movementsthat are required to move the selected second scope from its currenttarget position to the target position of the presumed target identifiedby the first scope, wherein the position movements are used tore-position the selected second scope from its current target positionto move towards the target position defined by the current targetposition data of the presumed target identified by the first scope; and(e) the processor of the selected scope sending its current targetposition data of the presumed target to the remaining ones of the secondset of scopes via the network server and the electronic network, therebyallowing the remaining ones of the second set of scopes to continue tofollow the presumed target that was initially located by the firstscope.
 27. The method of claim 26 wherein the selection of the scopefrom the second set of scopes is based on one of the following factors:(i) the scope in the second set of scopes that is closest to thepresumed target, (ii) the scope in the second set of scopes thatprovides the least obstructed view of the presumed target, (iii) theelevation of the second scope with respect to a view the target, (iv)ability of the scope in the second set of scopes to capture biometricdata of the target, or (v) ability of the scope in the second set ofscopes to shoot a projectile at the target or at a specific part of thetarget.
 28. The method of claim 26 wherein step (e) further comprisesthe processor of the identified scope sending its current targetposition data of the presumed target to the first scope via the networkserver and the electronic network, thereby allowing the first scope tofollow the presumed target that it initially located when it acted asthe initial lead scope.
 29. The method of claim 26 wherein at least oneof the scopes in the second set of scopes is a vehicle-mounted orvehicle-integrated scope.